Conference misery::feline_v1

    I was concerned about putting collars on my in/out cats but since
    there seemed to be a very high number of cats disappearing in my
    area I felt I had no choice.  I started by ordering breakaway collars
    through an ad in Cat Fancy.  I was pleased with the collars however
    it became quite expensive as the cats seemed to loose them quite
    easily.  I was worried that a collar that didn't break away would
    cause more harm than good but I had read of many cats wearing them
    with no problem so I bought rolled leather collars.  The cats wear
    ID tags and a reflective heart.  The tags are lightweight plastic
    that I ordered through Pet Potpourri in Amherst NH.  It takes awhile
    for them to come in but I like the fact that they are light, easy
    to read and come in colors.  If you need something real fast there
    is an ID KEG that looks like a tiny keg.  It opens up and contains
    a slip of paper for you to fill out.  ( I may have a couple left
    if you're interested)  As far as anyone contacting you should the
    cat get lost you can only hope that they will but at least I feel
    with the tags on they have a chance.
    
    MaryAnne

    
    No,no,no,I.D.tags are not the answer,just give them a wander-phone
    and let them call you when they are lost,even saves you the hassle
    of wondering if they really are lost:-)
    
    P.

    even though my seven are indoor only cats, everyone wears a breakaway
    collar and a metal id-tag (heart shaped). I sent away for the ID tags
    through the vet and got them in less than two weeks. If you want
    something immediately, you can go to one of those little jewelry
    stands in the mall and they will engrave it on the spot.
    
    A word about the dangling tag. It may take your cat a few days to
    get used to it, particularly if the cat has never worn a collar.
    My twins hated the things, so they got used to wearing them gradually
    (a few hours each day). For cats (like Spiro) that absolutely refuse
    to wear the dangling tags, you can get a flat metal one that attaches
    to the collar (You basically rivet it into the collar).
    An alternative to a dangling ID tag is sold through one of the Pet
    Catalogues (see note 666.12). It is a breakaway collar that has your
    phone # embroidered on it.
    
    Also in note 666, check out reply 666.19 about a lost and found
    registry.
    Deb
    
    

    Nippa is coinstanly losing her collars and the pet store does not
    always carry the break away ones, So..
    
    I take a regular nylon collar and put it on so I can easily
    slip it off.  I write my name & number on the collar in 
    black indeliable(SP) ink.  It works, because neighborhood
    kids are alwayw returning them.
    
    The tags are nice, one company even sends a reflective dot to
    put on the tag, however, I don't always have them on hand and
    I'd rather be praticle than sorry.
    
    

    Paula,
      I know of a place in waltham that will make metal tags for
    you.  We've ordered tags from them for years.
    
    re: rolled leather collars - There was a note in this file
    about a poor kitty that strangled when her collar got caught
    on a nail.  I wouldn't feel comfortable with a regular collar.
    
      Nancy DC
    

I have had a hard time getting Tsunami to wear a collar.
I have tried several times.  Just when I think she may be getting
used to it, she tries to get it off and gets her lower jaw caught in it.
It looks very painful, and the only way I can get her jaw out is to take
the collar off(which means tightning it a little to undo the buckle).

I would love for her to wear a collar and ID tag!  Can anyone give me
any ideas about how to get her used to it?  (should this be in another 
note?)

Thanks in advance,
Becky and Tsunami

    She's getting her mouth caught because the collar is a bit too
    loose.  I have seen collars made totally of elastic material so
    they have alot of stretch.  Try one of those and pull it a bit
    tighter.
      Nancy DC
    

    make sure that it is a break away collar. That way, if she pulls and
    gets her mouth caught, if she pulls a little more the collar will come
    off and their will be no injury. 
    
    I've found that some cats take to wearing collars and some don't like
    it. With the twins, their wearing time increased gradually from 1 hour
    to 1.5 hours to .... to forever.  Also, the cat might take better to
    the colar if it is just a collar, and no dangling tags. Once you get
    the cat used to the collar, then add the tag (or get a flat one).
    
    Deb